We Prepared to Rebuild the Walls

Open Your Bible

Nehemiah 2:11-20, Isaiah 62:8-12, Ephesians 2:19-22, James 2:14-26

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2:11-20, Isaiah 62:8-12, Ephesians 2:19-22, James 2:14-26

Ask any of my friends and they will tell you this: I am terrible at the game of Jenga. It’s the one with wooden blocks stacked tall and intricately as a puzzle of sorts, criss-crossed in a stack that begs to remain unbroken. And yet, that is exactly the point of the game: taking turns slowly choosing just the right block to strategically remove, all while keeping the tower standing and intact. The first few rounds include some easy takeaways, but as the blocks continue to be removed the chances of the tower tumbling increase. And trust me, you do not want to be the one choosing the wrong block, causing the tumble, and ending the game.

Many days, it feels as if tragedy is looming and pain is just around the corner. Afraid, we don’t want to be the one to make our joys tumble into sadness, or witness our hopes disintegrating into ruin. No one wants to fall.

Jerusalem’s wall fell. Torn down and destroyed by fire, the walls and gates surrounding Nehemiah’s beloved city whispered a disgraceful story of shame and abandonment. Like standing beside a spilled tower of blocks, Jerusalem was filled with nothing but past memories and lost hopes. That is, until Nehemiah showed up with plans only God could have laid on His heart:

“You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace” (Nehemiah 2:17).

While we fear destruction and are anticipating all the ways we could mess things up, God has already planned restoration. Where we stand in ruin, He sees new creation.

Unfortunately, I have a hard time remembering this truth when I’m in the midst of painful circumstances. And every time I choose the wrong Jenga block, so to speak, I vow to never play again, wondering what I could have done differently to avoid pain. The thought that doesn’t cross my mind so easily is this: rebuild. I don’t see the point in stacking the blocks up again, only to fall once more.

But rebuilding is not an afterthought to God. Restoration and redemption are His priority. By God’s mercy, He allows our eyes to see glimpses of the restoration plan and invites our hands and hearts into the work. Nehemiah trusted in the good work God was doing through him, even when he could not yet envision the final product. He knew the God of the heavens would grant them success (v.20).

A new wall for Jerusalem meant much more than one more round of Jenga. The rebuilt walls protected a temple, creating a safe and sacred space for worship. In the same way, our God is always building us up to know and adore Him more. This is true restoration. Thanks be to Him.

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108 thoughts on "We Prepared to Rebuild the Walls"

  1. Jeanna Vance says:

    Where I see the opportunity to fail, He sees restoration and a willing heart. Lord, help me to build with you.

  2. Andie Battles says:

    One Wednesday night as my husband was speaking to the youth he told them that God turns our messes into his masterpiece. A wall in ruins is rebuilt into a masterpiece. One of my favorite verses is : “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:1-2‬ ‭
    This reminds me I am chosen and redeemed.

  3. Lutho Matiwane says:

    “Restoration and Redemption are His priority” ❤️

  4. Page Page says:

    It is good to know scary things are ok when you have God on your side. God is there to bring you thru.

  5. Brooke Zeolla says:

    One thing I struggle with is taking chances and not relying on what I know God can do and chose to take the “safe” route. I often forget that he has everything under control and that he only wants what is good for me. This was a good reminder that it’s okay to be unsure of things and take a leap of faith, God is always on my side, all things work for the good of those who love him.

  6. Rachel Griffith says:

    It never ceases to amaze how God will provide answers – especially in times of doubt and questioning.
    I was reading an article the other day about two parents were being sent to jail for the murder of their premature daughter and the mistreatment of her twin. A large group from their congregation attended the birthing of the twins at their home. This particular congregation does not believe in professional medical treatment, they solely rely on laying hands and prayer. Because the girls were premature, they were having difficulties breathing, and later found out that they had something going on with their respiratory systems.
    This article confused me a bit because I believe in the power of prayer and know that complete healing can come from prayer alone – but I also believe that God has given each of us special skills.
    I wasn’t sure where I stood after this article because I felt that I was being doubtful if I thought that yes they definitely should have called a doctor to seek treatment and why would they take no action. Can both not be done in good faith?

    After reading today and being reminded that faith and action go hand and hand, I see that yes, ultimately the decision is in Gods hands, but he did not put us here to sit and do nothing – we are meant to take action and show our faith through our actions. You cannot have one without the other. All that was created, was created by his hands with a purpose.

    1. Tori Schmidt says:

      Rachel,

      I glanced at the comments today and yours was the only one I read.

      Thank you for commenting (a month ago).

      My son was diagnosed with Autism a few years ago. He came home at 17 months from an orphanage where he was quite neglected. I’ve been struggling for the 3 years since his adoption with what to do. The diagnose was a surprise above his special need that we knew he had.

      I lay hands on him nightly and thank Jesus for bearing the stripes for his healing, but during the day I search and search for medical interventions to help him. I’ve taken him overseas twice for stem cell treatments and my heart is aching to go again as we see improvements with the treatments.

      BUT… then I feel I am not walking in faith that he can receive divine healing.

      Your comment is encouraging that

  7. Sarah Guy says:

    One day we will see a restoration that will not fail. But until then we are called to repeatedly rebuild in a way that points forward to God’s great future work of restoration.

  8. Maya Bulos says:

    Wow this really spoke to me today. I didny realUe how much I feel like the walls of Jerusalem. Torn down, destroyed, in ruins, hopeless. I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 2 years ago. Since then its ben surgeries, treatment, ongoing therapies to prevent reocurrance.. and I feel like every part of what defined me as a woman has been destroyed. I know theres hope, and many have confirmed the promise of God for my life- that i will live and not die, but the battle of fear and anxiety is overwhelming some days. This was a reminder for me that God sees as Nehemiah saw the broken down walls and will rebuild and restore me as they did the walls of Jerusalem.
    i

    1. Hannah Shelton says:

      Maya, I’m saying prayers for you now!! So glad God has encouraged you about His restoration. I have gone through medical issues and He was speaking the same to me ❤️❤️

  9. Terrie Fulk says:

    I had my own devastation 5 years ago. I lost my soulmate, best friend, and husband of 33 years. We were preparing to celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary when 2 days before he suddenly passed away. I have been trying to cope with it by myself for years. Hiding my feelings from my kids, family and friends. Only recently I have come to God to let Him help me rebuild my life in the way of His desire.

    1. Jessica Wallace says:

      Oh Terrie. What great loss! The burden you have carried alone for these past years

    2. Jessica Wallace says:

      (Oops, hit send too soon)
      It breaks my heart with you to ready this – the burden of walking through the grief and hurt alone must have been so heavy! I just prayed for you – that God would meet you and you would find comfort in Him. May He speak peace into your heart, help you find your voice to heal, and do an amazing work on your heart of rebuilding the broken pieces. ❤️

  10. Emily Gates says:

    The idea that He has my restoration planned is hard to keep believing. Each horrific event, failure, or even minor mistake is a reminder that we aren’t perfect so why keep trying? Because, it’s not the mistake that makes us who we are. It’s our end story with God. The full peace and restoration He promises with Him. For eternity!

  11. Soraya DosSantos says:

    What a powerful, forgiving God we serve! And his grace is such a beautiful gift….I accept with an open arms and heart! Amen!!!

  12. Vanessa Pardi says:

    I had never thought of this passage also mirroring the importance to protect the temple of our lives and our sacred and safe spaces for worship. Amazing passage today!

  13. Melanie Hilton says:

    Amen

  14. Wow, how incredibly beautiful that our God decides to build us up, time and time again. Most of the time it’s us breaking ourselves down, it’s us hindering ourselves from truly resting in the Lord and being who He calls us to be. But He is so good, he chooses to look past our downfalls, pick up the pieces, and put them back together – but better than before- stronger than before. Keeping this a reminder throughout my days, to purposefully strive to grow and flourish in Him, but when I get knocked down to not be discouraged because I KNOW He will rebuild me better than I was before. He is so good.

  15. Heather Totten says:

    God is a God of restoration! We can rebuild the ruins of our lives, not by our might or power, but by his Spirit!

  16. Kaydee Merritt says:

    It’s so awesome to know that God sees creation and newness when all we can see is destruction and loss in our life. He works all things for good. I loved Isaiah 62:12 that says the people of Israel (and us as adoption children of Israel) shall be called Sought Out. Even when we are far, God seeks us!

  17. Holly says:

    Thanks so much for these words Kaitlin. I’ve been stuck for a couple of years now scared to move forward in case I fail. I feel God’s presence nudging me forward but while I trust Him, I just do not trust myself. Reading these words: “While we fear destruction and are anticipating all the ways we could mess things up, God has already planned restoration. Where we stand in ruin, He sees new creation,” made my spirit leap.
    I have been meaning to get back to SRT and the Bible studies since Lent. I fell off about halfway through Lent for some reason. But I have been feeling the call the last couple of weeks but yesterday it was too strong to ignore so I jumped into Nehemiah and did the first 2 days which moved me and felt like Nehemiah is what I need, my life feels and is a mess right now and Nehemiah is about taking the ruins and rebuilding so I truly feel led by my Father. Today, reading your essay on Nehemiah I realize this is what He wanted me to see, where I see only ruin and despair, He has already planned my restoration and joy.
    Thank you so much, I just am totally overwhelmed at how on point this was.

  18. Katie Brown says:

    I love when God shows us a glimpse of his Glory and our future glory with him!

  19. Leslie B. says:

    I love the key scripture today and also echo what someone said about how Nehemiah continues to say “my God”
    I am struggling today feeling like my walls are
    Slowly crumbling around me and no one even notices or cares. I know “my” God loves me but we have had so much over the past 9 years mainly financially but it keeps us distracted and I feel even my marriage is being hurt, we work all the time very hard at our new business we seem to have very little if any left for ourselves or our family. Just asking for prayer today and that “my” God will hear my cries and send the encouragement we need. I won’t give up or let the enemy win . We just need some kind of reprieve.

    1. Jasmine says:

      Praying for you guys!! God is with you, always.

    2. Holly says:

      Praying for you and your family. God is amazing and so loving and is always with us.

    3. Lacey Hundley says:

      Yesterday’s reading I feel like really talks to your struggle…how even in your disappointment, you have to “keep truckin” at work, in the home, etc. BUT GOD still sees each disappointment and struggle. He always provides blessings but it is our job to look for them. Nehemiah has the king ask him his desires and that was a blessing. I pray right now that God provides for your needs and that He will reveal those provisions to you, that your human heart and mind will find reassurance when you are discouraged. :)

    4. Kim Spring says:

      Praying for you all! Yes I get it. We have been rebuilding since 09. Seems we take one step forward and 2 back but I know He’s faithful and trustworthy. He’s fighting for you!

  20. Tamara B says:

    I love that Nehemiah is written with mentioning of “my God” vs 18: And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me.
    It makes Me feel the presence of God even more!

  21. Shelby Lynn says:

    While we stand in ruin, HE sees new creation—Lord let me see this earthly life through your eyes where I see rebuild vs destruction. For that’s was the devil wants us ya to fixate on turmoil, defeat, despair; I AM STRONGER THAN THAT! You created me and therefore I should be a stronger daughter of such a miraculous Father! Lord thank you for this message today and for the women/men helping to get your Word out to every corner of this world. Help me to facilitate that need of spreading your Word as well.

  22. Carol Burnum says:

    After a horrible year in 2017 with clinical depression and anxiety, I am back to my carefree self. I rebuilt walls in my life through a long period of getting off benzodiazepines. Nothing happened over night, it was a day by day process. I’m so thankful I’m better now with the help of my psychiatrist and God’s hand on me. I thank Him for the antidepressants I take that pulled me out of a dark deep pit. I’m rebuilding walls now in 2018 and I am so thankful!!

    1. cindyjof8 says:

      Psalm 40 comes to mind. . Praising the Lord with you sister!

    2. Katie Riegel says:

      I went through a really rough patch like that about 5 years ago. I thought I would never recover. But God is great! I’m thankful you are seeing healing in your life too!

  23. Lindsey Froemming says:

    This is a reminder that we serve the God in heaven and not man on earth, He will bless our work that is for him even if others question or don’t believe in us!

  24. Carley Guillorn says:

    The idea that while we fear destruction, god is already rebuilding and restoring is so overwhelming and something I wish I would remember more often.

  25. Naomi Dibdin says:

    Wow, this is a time my husband I are in, trying to cling to the promise of restoration and rebuilding. That God is in our future.

    1. Mary Foster says:

      Naomi——33years ago my husband and I were in that place too. Staring down divorce due to the brokenness that came because of sin and in particular the sin of infidelity. And here’s the word the Lord continued to speak in my heart…..BUT GOD! We chose to battle through all the pain and rebuild our foundations (because we had made a mess out of them even as believers because we were so busy building our own way….and not allowing God to give us the plan). We really did have to start from scratch, BUT GOD helped us build well this time. For His glory, and our good. And we celebrate 40Years walking together with each other following hard after Jesus. He ABSOLUTELY is faithful and if He can and did do that for us, He will for you too. Pain is a part of tearing out the bad parts…but hang in there. He WILL build a palace out of your marriage yet!

      1. Emily Baudoux says:

        Beautifully said

    2. Emily Baudoux says:

      This was my husband and I two or so years ago and girl, He can restore and rebuild. I know it can be so hard to see it but you can tell Satan to back off and eventually come out of this stronger than ever. We found community and that really helped too. We also watched and read Paul Tripps book and seminar, “What did you Expect”. Keep that head and heart focused on God and His truth!

  26. TerriJo Perry says:

    Me, too.

  27. Jen says:

    I love that God restores our walls and boundaries to give us a safe place to worship. His heart is always to bring us closer to him so that we can reach out in wholeness to others. Thank you God. Thank you Jesus.

  28. Amy Pitman says:

    This fits right in perfectly with something I am dealing with today! God is so amazing. Thank you!

  29. Danielle Merriweather says:

    Question: Why was it important in the first place to build walls around Jerusalem? What was the purpose for this? Was it for protection? Isolation?

    1. Melanie says:

      Protection. They were vulnerable to attack from other nations. At that time, a city’s walls were a big part of what made a city safe, and often powerful. Comparable to Joshua leading the Israelites against Jericho. Jericho was untouchable by a normal army or attack. God demonstrated his power by taking the wall down in a way only he could.

  30. Kristy Crites says:

    I’ve kind of been stumbling around the rubble of my life since 2014 just coasting along after I left an extremely abusive relationship. Rather than addressing my struggles with PTSD and depression, I simply started working and floated along, just going through the motions. Covering my pain with isolation when I wasn’t turning to all the sinful ways to cope. It’s only been in the past few that I’ve been called to draw myself closer to God. It started with church, and then diving into his Word throughout the week because I’ve been so so hungry for the Word of God. Working on my prayer life. Ministering to my mother about becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman of today so that we may grow into Titus 2 women for tomorrow. This message is so important to me, knowing that through God I am able to take the damage and ruins of my current life and rebuild it into something so much better in His name. So happy to be exploring this with you all <33

    1. She Reads Truth says:

      Thank you for sharing Kristy. We’re praying for you and are so grateful that you’re here reading along with us! -Margot, The SRT Team

      1. Kristen Furst says:

        I can relate. I am right there with you, Kristy!!!

    2. Julie says:

      I am affected by this as well. You are not alone. You are loved…God has already planned restoration. Where we stand in ruin, He sees new creation.
      I will pray for you. Blessings and Peace <3

  31. Lisa says:

    I wonder how often we choose to embrace the ruin, rather that work together with God to rebuild and restore?

    I’m thinking of a friend today, whose wall is in shambles and it has opened herself and her family up to attack. The Deceiver has had a heyday, and I can’t help but think she has chosen to embrace the lies rather than stand firm for the truth. My heart is broken for her and her family, and I’ve been praying she will see truth, that someone will be able to speak truth in love and that her once Godly family will be restored. How many times do we open ourselves up for attack because we’ve let our walls collapse? I’m going to think on this a bit, and pray for the courage to do what needs to be done to facilitate restoration.

    1. Lauren Fondren says:

      Yes, yes, yes!

  32. Jess Rivera says:

    I love this so much!❤️

  33. Lori Dawkins says:

    Thank you, it’s so comforting to know that restoration and redemption is his priority ❤️

  34. Sarah D. says:

    So thankful for a God who forgives our brokenness and see us how we will be. He is doing a good work in us. Today I start my chemistry class at the community college near me, since I had to withdraw from the chemistry at my college. Just feeling nervous to go to a new place, and I’m driving there on my own (been driving for a little while, but for some reason my thoughts go to the worst case scenario, which is horrible…just need to remember that God is protecting me). I go to a Christian college (Liberty University), and it will be interesting to see the difference at this community college. Prayers appreciated for this…praying that I will rest in Jesus and know that He will be with me every step of the way. And that I will do my best in this class and stay focused. Trusting in you Lord. You are in control.

    1. Brenda says:

      God is with you. The first day is always the hardest. I will be praying for you. Hang in there! You and God got this!

    2. Sonya says:

      Dear Sarah, please let us know how it went? Praying…

    3. Sarah D. says:

      Thank you for your prayers!! So thankful for you all. It went well!! Definitely was nervous, but it all worked out, of course. I met some new people that were nice. I’m majoring in Zoo & Wildlife Biology, and there was a couple people from Virginia Tech majoring in Wildlife & Conservation and Pre-Vet!! Such a God thing!! Hoping that this Chemistry will be easier to understand and that I can do well in it. <3 And that I can reflect Jesus every day through it all. Love you SRT sisters!

    4. truthseeker says:

      I pray for God’s blessings and protection for you. While CVCC is not far from LU it is traveling on Wards Road that is problematic. The traffic on that road is usually horrendous. Be vary aware and cautious while driving that short distance. Dr. Muriel Mickles Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs CVCC is a Christian – a very loving and kind woman whom you may feel free to speak to for guidance and help if you need such. Praying for your success in chemistry.

  35. Caralee Lilly says:

    Restoration…what a beautiful word. Megan Blew….I am continuing to pray for restoration for your daughter even as I pray for my children to be restored! God is up to something good!

  36. Ashley Lienhart says:

    Along with this study, I also have a daily devotional that I read. Today’s verse seemed so fitting for our study today and I wanted to share it with you all. “To shine on those living in darkness in the shadow I’d death, to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:79). As I read these in conjunction I was amazed again by our God. He has promised to walk with us, guiding us to peace, especially after our struggles. We fall just as Jerusalem’s walls have fallen. I pray that my heart and mind can be opened wider to receive God’s instructions during these times as Nehemiah has done. Have a wonderful day, y’all!! ❤️

  37. Ann says:

    I am always good at anticipating my shortcomings, but to hear and be reminded that God has already planned the restoration and is creating a place for me, that is downright comforting. Sometimes life just hurts and we need to fall back and remember that God is always with us and always has a plan.

  38. Kristyn Timochko says:

    I love this!

  39. Julie says:

    I definitely feel that the walls of my life have come down. I come before God open and willing to have Him rebuild and restore. I will have trust and faith in the new creation.
    While we fear destruction and are anticipating all the ways we could mess things up, God has already planned restoration. Where we stand in ruin, He sees new creation.
    I will keep this in my heart as I go forward looking to God of the heavens who will grant me success! Nehemiah 2:20

  40. Cheryl says:

    This study has been amazing for me and today’s especially! The part, “while we fear destruction and are anticipating all the ways we could mess things up, God has already planned restoration. Where we stand in ruin, He sees new creation.” You see I live in a small community that is my ex husbands hometown and I have stayed because of my job. I will retire this year and since the beginning of this year I have had these uneasy, weary feelings that I cannot really explain. After reading today’s study of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, I feel like God has brought this study to me as a message of restoration. I could relate to so much of this commentary, Karen, thank you for sharing this enlightened story. I actually feel hope and restoration for me and when I grow weary, I now know Nehemiah is a great book to refer to. May God continue to bless you and the team of She Reads Truth and the mission God has laid upon your heart’s to bring comfort to so many!

  41. Janet C says:

    I love the book of Nehemiah. I’ve done several studies on it. Kelly Mentor has a great study and one thing I remember from that study is; rebuilding/remodeling is much harder than a new build because with rebuilding you have to sort through the broken down things, the rubble, the irreplaceable throw out and repair to get to the finished work. Starting from scratch is much easier than rebuilding because everything is fresh. As we each go through the rubble in our lives and sort and throw out may we see the new refreshing parts God is rebuilding in each of us.

    1. Julie says:

      Yes! I like this. As we go through the rubble in our lives and sort and throw out may we see the new refreshing parts God is rebuilding in each of us. Thank You!

    2. Jackie Kousma says:

      So good!

    3. Nikki Baab says:

      Thank you for sharing

    4. Alexis says:

      I absolutely love this! Building from scratch seems so much easier; there is no wounds, no bitter words. But to rebuild is such work and you have get through all the junk to bring about something new from the old. Thank you so much for this<3

    5. Danielle Merriweather says:

      This is good to recognize Janet, thanks for sharing!!

    6. Michelle Emery says:

      So good, thanks so much for sharing!

  42. Kristi L says:

    The Ephesians verses from today’s reading and the devotional reminded me of Audrey Assad’s song The House You’re Building. Here’s the link if you’d like to have a listen: https://youtu.be/NjX7c4sx8Pg

  43. Christy says:

    I am so thankful that God not only rebuilds walls, but he rebuilds lives – redeeming them and making them fit for service to Him and love to others. I don’t deserve and can’t imagine life without his grace. Y’all need something to sing today? Here you go!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBvU7arNhQs

  44. Brooke says:

    Wow! The God of the Heavens is the one who will grant us salvation. What a promise and what a load off! I’m constantly fighting for success on my own, however what a burden that I don’t even have to carry. I still work hard, and it may not work 100%, but God works for our good 100% of the time, so either way, there’s no losing!

  45. Lindsey CrystalZarob says:

    Powerful words, Lisa. Amen and amen!

  46. Megan Blew says:

    Love the reminder that God is always there to rebuild, restore, and redeem when I am in the middle of ruins.

  47. Gina Glennon says:

    Praising God that He specializes in redemption and restoration!

  48. Liz Tardo says:

    I too feel like I’m in the stages of rebuilding. At times, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. This was right on to remind me to wait. Be still and know who is in control. Prayers and love to you all

  49. YvonneBonnie Delgado says:

    Timely study with all the changes happening in Jerusalem and in my own life. Rebuilding is the phase that the Lord is taken me into. Thank you Jesus for your power, might and wisdom!

  50. Kelly Chataine says:

    Listening and hearing. It seems my life, marriage, and family has been torn down with the hope of rebuilding in mind. Rebuilding, redemption, and salvation are God’s work. Even though I fear my husband has plateaued, I will pray for restoration. Even though I am tired, I will make sure my hands and heart are involved in this work. I will trust God for the work, even though I am afraid to envision the final product. God will grant me/us success.
    So thankful for the Nehemiah study!
    Our story, from the beginning, is on Caring Bridge.
    caringbridge.org/visit/dennisd.sienicki

    1. Alexandra says:

      Kelly, I visited your site and read your story, and I’m praying for you and your husband. I can imagine the stress and loneliness you feel, you have not been given an easy path to take. As this study says, God RESTORES and REBUILDS. I pray that he restores your husband’s body and brain to what it once was. I pray that you feel unexplainable joy and peace in this time, so unexplainable that it can only come from God. Know that He has promised strength for this day. Meditate on this fact, and take it one day at a time. Thank God for the season you are in, because it’s exactly where He wants you to be. All things happen for His Glory, and someday you will look back and see why.

    2. Pam says:

      Hi Kelly, I read your story too so thank you for sharing the site. Helps us know how to pray for you and your husband. This has to be so difficult but you are so strong – I know you are an inspiration to a lot of people. Will keep praying for you both.

    3. Susan says:

      Kelly, I continue to pray for your family. I visited your site. Your story is a great blessing to others to see God’s hand through this journey. God IS rebuilding and restoring!

  51. Lauren Coaston says:

    I feel like I am in the mist of rebuilding. I was laid off a while ago but just celebrated on year with my current company and am up for a promotion. It feels good but in the same respect I feel that I have so much more work to do. I am grateful and giving the lord all the praise and blessings.

  52. Churchmouse says:

    When my eyes are on the rubble and the ruin, I think “Impossible!” But if I lift up my eyes and look beyond, I remember “With God, all things are possible” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Rubble and ruin can be restored, transformed. Rubble and ruin do not have the last word. BUT GOD.

    1. Julie says:

      Praise the Lord, Amen!

  53. England Elsie says:

    This is just beautiful. We will feel opposition. The work – whatever that is for each of us that God has called us to do – will be hard, long and relentless, often messy and dirty, and we’ll feel tired and not want to do it at times. But God… But God will help us and supply what we need to complete it.

  54. yingzhen says:

    Reading this as I am supposed to do my revision for tomorrow’s exam. Just like so many of the other woman out there, the walls of my family came down in 2015.. but my world seems to be tumbling down this year as I left home and came to study in Glasgow. Depression finally hit me in March but thanks be to God, I managed to seek help at a very early stage. And here I am not being able to study and focus due to family issues, moving into a new flat etc. But I shall be still, and trust that God is going to prosper the work of my hand, and rebuild all these! May we have the heaven vision – living this life with hope and joy! :)

    1. England Elsie says:

      Do the revision – just focus 9on the revision today. His mercies aree nough for you today to carry you through Yingzhen.

      1. yingzhen says:

        thank you Elsie :) Thanks God I did better than I expected! Have a blessed day ahead!

        1. England Elsie says:

          Yay!

  55. Lorrie Bee says:

    For many years I have worked hard and waited for God to restore and rebuild. My ex husband left my life in ruins and ashes. It’s slow going, and the work feels like it will never be complete, but I can see God’s faithfulness ever step of the way. I’m sometimes weary that it takes so long to make visible progress.

    Nehemiah reminds me that the walls of Jerusalem were not rebuilt overnight. Oh, me of little faith! God is doing great things. I just need to cooperate with his plans and not give up.

    1. Kristen says:

      Praying for you. Remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God sees you, and you are the apple of His eye. May you feel His Love today that is way better than anything. May He renew you and give you joy. He has great plans for you and loves you deeply. In Jesus’ Powerful Name Amen

    2. Lisa Shelton says:

      Just know the longer the process the stronger the wall. God is rebuilding a wall around you that, if like Nehemiah you trust in Him, your new wall can’t fall into rubble. He is the strength in which it is held up. He is currently rebuilding my walls and I see Him strategically placing each piece and I am in a season of wait as well. Just know that our season of wait is Gods season of work. Stay faithful to the process as hard as it may be.. and you will soon see your new wall surrounding and protecting you. God bless!

      1. Nikki Doup says:

        Lisa, this response is so beautiful and perspective-shifting. I now want to wallpaper my house in the quote “The longer the process, the stronger the wall”
        Thank you

      2. Julie says:

        I too like this response. Stay faithful to the process as hard as it may be.. and you will soon see your new wall surrounding and protecting you. God bless! Many blessings to you ladies. May we continue to feel God’s presence as He rebuilds our lives making us stronger!

    3. Colleen W says:

      I get all of this Lorrie. I’m walking through divorce and my ex has left me and the children in ashes… and remember beauty for ashes. It will come! Our Faith says redemption will come! Sending prayers your way.

    4. Deb Alexander says:

      I have lived through this too, Lorrie. The rebuilding and restoration is worth the wait. I will pray for you – and you, Lisa and Colleen – today.

    5. Judy Holland says:

      And the good thing is God restores even better than it was before. I went through a similar thing, and God has restored and rebuilt to overflowing.

    6. Judy Holland says:

      The thing that God is rebuilding in my life is relationship with the Church. He’s always been there, but my trust in the church was deeply wounded. But, like Jerusalem God is rebuilding what I thought would never be rebuilt. I love working alongside Him in the process, seeing the stones laid one at a time.

  56. Tina says:

    My family walls came down last year, when my younger sister told me I was no longer her sister because I had said she acted like a diva in a situation we, as a family, needed to resolve, to do with our mother’s care.
    Since that day in August she had not spoken to me or been in contact with me…

    But God …
    Through my prayers and cries out heard me, heard my cries for help in resolving this … in rebuilding the walls that hold us together. That keep us safe and connected as sisters… family..
    As some may know, last Saturday I met up with my sister… apprehensive, yet knowing a peace, we talked and hugged and chatted, laughed and planned…
    Yes the walls that were broken are being rebuilt hopefully stronger, and better than before.. because God has given us another chance and by His Grace and mercy, hope and love my sister and I will take care not happen again.
    Thank you Lord God for your having gone ahead with your plans and purposes for my sister and I. Thank you Lord God, that you have began a rebuilding of our hearts that will be better that than before.. Thank you Lord God for loving us enough and beyond, to be in our midst as we spoke and hugged and loved as sisters should.. Thank you Lord God for your counsel and wisdom..Thank hank you Lord God. Thank you in the mighty and most powerful name of Jesus… Amen..

    1. Julie says:

      Thank you Tina for sharing your answered prayers. Much hope is given when we see how God is working in our lives! So happy for you and your Sister <3

    2. Pam says:

      This is so awesome to hear Tina! Praise the Lord you and your sister are back! Praise Him for answered prayer! Thank you for sharing this with us.

    3. Rachel says:

      Wonderful news! Praise God! Let him continue to build you two together as sisters in a Christ to worship Him!

    4. Ash says:

      I’m so happy to hear that the walls in your relationship are starting to mend!

    5. Susan says:

      Praise the Lord! I to need reconciliation with a sister and pray that it can start today.

    6. Tina says:

      In my haste to get to work, I forgot to thank you sisters for your prayers last week when I mentioned this in another devo. Bless you each and every one for your prayers… love and hugs… xxxx

  57. Tonia says:

    Thank you Jesus, I am so grateful that these truth of your word is coming to me at just the right time I need it the most . At the time Oh God when I need you to be my all in all. Thank you God for you are the one that gives us success.

    1. Obi Ojukwu says:

      Amen!